A Study on the Translation of the δικαι-Terms in Romans 5:16-21

This study addresses the meanings and translation challenges of the terms related to 'righteousness' used in Romans 5:16-21, particularly those with the δικαι- root. This section, known for the Adam-Christ typology, is not typically noted for its focus on terms of 'righteousness'. However, in this passage, these terms are key in describing God's salvation through Jesus Christ. The overarching discourse structure of comparing Adam and Christ and the symmetry in each comparison makes discernment of the approximate meanings and emphases of each term: δικαιώμα, δικαιοσύνη, δικαίωσις, and δίκαιος not too difficult. However, it is far from easy to accurately understand the meanings of these terms, especially the less familiar ones beyond the often encountered δικαιοσύνη in Paul's letters, and to translate them into Korean. This challenge is evident when examining their translations in the main Korean versions. Against this backdrop, this study critically examines how the main translations currently in use render the various terms of 'righteousness' in Romans 5:16-21. It aims to propose appropriate translations for each term, considering their etymology, word formation, sentence structure, and context.